Pension age dataset

Pension Eligibility Age, 2005-2023

Dataset created by Hiroki Kurosawa (hiroki.k0831@gmail.com)

Quick Reference: Country-level data on pension eligibility ages by gender and year
Available formats: pension_age.xlsx, pension_age.csv

Last Updated: 9-February-2026

Description:

The dataset provides information about country, year, normal and early pension 
age for men and women, as well as extra notes that provide additional information.

This dataset tracks the minimum pension eligibility age for most men and women, 
and does not document information regarding special pension benefits.

Quick Start: 

1. Download either pension_age.xlsx or pension_age.csv
2. Note that some ages are in decimal format (e.g., 65.5 = 65 years, 6 months)
3. Check the Notes field for important country-specific details
4. Extrapolated data is marked "From X" in Notes

Notation systems:
The decimal numbers indicate that the eligibility is based on the month in which 
recipients are born. For instance, if the eligibility is 65 years old and 5 months, 
it is denoted as 65.41666666666, and if it is 62 years old and 3 months, it is 
denoted as 62.25. To convert back to months, multiply the decimal portion by 12.

Notes:

Notes provide additional information. This includes the availability of other 
pensions, deferred pension, rising pension eligibility age, or sources outside 
of SSA/ISSA.

Extrapolated Data:
When data is extrapolated, it is described in notes as "From X" (e.g., From 2015).
This means data from that year is extrapolated based on established trends.


Data Files:

You can access the dataset as:
a. pension_age.xlsx - Microsoft Excel format
b. pension_age.csv - Comma-separated values format
Both files contain the same information.

Variables: 

The dataset contains the following variables:

- Country: Name of the country
- Year: Year of observation
- Normal Pension Age (Men): Standard retirement age for men
- Normal Pension Age (Women): Standard retirement age for women
- Early Pension Age (Men): Early retirement eligibility age for men
- Early Pension Age (Women): Early retirement eligibility age for women
- Notes: Additional contextual information and data sources

Data Source: 

The dataset primarily draws from:
- SSA: Social Security Administration (United States)
- ISSA: International Social Security Association

Additional sources are noted in the Notes field when applicable